Villedieu
Village de Villedieu
Tourist service in Villedieu :
The village of Villedieu was a headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller of St John of Jerusalem in the Middle Ages, and a Templar fiefdom belonging to the Roaix Command. It is situated on the edge of the Drôme, in a hilly landscape of vineyards, olive groves, and pine forests.
The city walls are over 10 meters high, protecting the ancient heart of the village.
Following these walls, you will arrive at the Place de la Libération and its fountain, which is the very heart of Villedieu. A place where people gather for a cool drink and conversation.
Along your way, is the 12th-century belfry and one of the three gates in the city walls, which proudly displays one of the last authentic papal coats of arms still in place in the department, and a clock dating from the 16th century.
These gates lead you in the old heart of the village, where you can stroll through narrow little streets and discover the Romanesque church of St. Michael, dating from the 12th century. Its 18 meter-high bell tower stands on what was once the keep or perhaps the watchtower of the old castle.
As you continue your walk, you’ll see some renaissance mansions with mullioned windows. Look for a house featuring the « Virgin of the Smile » a Renaissance-style statue of the Virgin Mary, adorned with a St. Jacques shell carved by Alice Colonieu, a renowned ceramic artist.
FAVORITE
Come spend a few pleasant moments in the Place de Villedieu, where you can enjoy musical entertainment on summer evenings.
VILLAGE SECRET
A whole underground network is believed to wind beneath the village and beyond. A small part of it has been excavated. A secret network for escape and rescue ? The work of the Templars ? Only a gigantic investigative dig could solve this mystery.
Distance from Vaison : 7km
Inhabitants : 506 referred to as les Villadéens
Elevation : 176m mini and 443m maxi
Following these walls, you will arrive at the Place de la Libération and its fountain, which is the very heart of Villedieu. A place where people gather for a cool drink and conversation.
Along your way, is the 12th-century belfry and one of the three gates in the city walls, which proudly displays one of the last authentic papal coats of arms still in place in the department, and a clock dating from the 16th century.
These gates lead you in the old heart of the village, where you can stroll through narrow little streets and discover the Romanesque church of St. Michael, dating from the 12th century. Its 18 meter-high bell tower stands on what was once the keep or perhaps the watchtower of the old castle.
As you continue your walk, you’ll see some renaissance mansions with mullioned windows. Look for a house featuring the « Virgin of the Smile » a Renaissance-style statue of the Virgin Mary, adorned with a St. Jacques shell carved by Alice Colonieu, a renowned ceramic artist.
FAVORITE
Come spend a few pleasant moments in the Place de Villedieu, where you can enjoy musical entertainment on summer evenings.
VILLAGE SECRET
A whole underground network is believed to wind beneath the village and beyond. A small part of it has been excavated. A secret network for escape and rescue ? The work of the Templars ? Only a gigantic investigative dig could solve this mystery.
Distance from Vaison : 7km
Inhabitants : 506 referred to as les Villadéens
Elevation : 176m mini and 443m maxi
Contact
Village de Villedieu84110 Villedieu